Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1887-09-10
A MYSTERIOUS TOUCH.
A Victims Choice as Between
rheumatism and Ghosts.

1Nl4Cl4AASl L4S-1l C44O NLSSlSs
In my researches through some old
manuscripts, l recently CHANGED upon
The following story. As yet can not
definitely fix the authorship, but my
suspicious point all in one directions
Should they be realized after further
investigation, l shall have no hesitancy
in giving his name. Here is the story,
precisely a> it appeared in manuscript,
which apparently has never before
seen the light;
at has long been a theory of mine
that there is 4 natural explanation for
every occurrence, however ont Of the
urs of nature it may seem to the
casual observer. Acting upon this
theory | have devoted years to the
study of so-called supernaturalisn.
Little has been published upon the sub
ject that have not read. My library
is filled with such works as Ovens
Footballs on the Boundary of Another
World Bulwer's Strange Story
Davis Great Harmonia,' Edmonds'
'S%piritualism.' and the writings of
S~wedenborg. From the weird legends
of the Hartz Mountains to Drummond's
Natural Law in the Spiritual World
there is little with which | am not
familiar. Any thing bearing even in
directly upon supe%rnaturalism or the
spirit world is of interest to me.
The study of myths, fairies, ghosts
and COLLINS is one of rare fascination.
One enjoys 4 skillfully-told ghost story,
even while he laughs at the idea of q
ghost. Who dares not experience q
thrill Of interest upon reading Dichons'
Thirteenth Juror The Signalman,
or Bulwer's The Haunted and the
lIanters p Human nature naturally
~incline> to the love of the marvelou,
and supernatural, and the rehearsal Of
such tales has made certain writers
famous.
Il can not say that my study Of
supcrnaturalism has led to any definite
result. have not made any remarka.
bic discoveries, but have had some
experiences that mystiiied me. Among
them was one of apparently an mex
plicable nature, which it is here my
purpose to relate.
al remember once, some years ago
while seated in my study, bending
over a desk, a hand was laid upon my
shoulder, ii was my wife's custom
(my late hours bothered Laura) t,
rouse me at times in this manner, anC
when ! turned in answer TO the sum
mons. it was with the expectation 0
seeing her behind my chair. Turnin.
slowly about | answered Coming
Laura. To my amazement the roon
was empty! had heard no football
no voice, but had merely felt the toucl
of a hand upon my shoulder; gentle
IT is true; light, as Laura's toucl
always is, but unmistakable; | hat
not been in a dose, it was not fancy
had been touched by a hand.
81 confess that upon turning aroun,
and finding nothing. | was startled.
sat "A moment in thought, seeking {,
bring the occurrence within the rang
of comprehension. My brain wa
clear, every faculty active. Going t,
the door, | opened it and called up tn
hallway in a low voice:
"'Laura!'
mo answer.
81 called again, my voice echoin,
strangely. The hour was late. Laur
was evidently asleep.
81 resumed my seat at tho desk. bu
could not continue writing. NJ
thoughts were vague and scattered
The mysterious touch upon the shoul
der filed me with strange emotion.
What explanation was there for it? n
human hand had touched me. Had
felt the impress of a spirit hand
Ridiculous! / laughed outright at tn
idea. Mystified, dissatisfied, | close
the desk, put out the light and wer
up TO my bedroom.
Lighting a lamp that stood on III
bureau, / looked at Laura. She lay i
sound sleep. her calm, sweet face par
ly avertcd. | gently reused her, ha
her sit up. assured myself that she W;
thoroughly awake, and then asked:
"'Laura, have you been long asleep
"'Fully an hour she replied, lool
ing at me wonderingly. Has ar
thing happened, George?'
"'Are you sure there is nobody
the house but ourselves ! continue
"'Who could there be, George? IL
me what has happened
Seeing my puzzled expression, 81
smiled, looked at me quizzically, al
kissed me. | felt angry with myst
for having walked her. yet glad to ha
her sweet companionship.
Laura began, conscious that
was about TO make a very foolish stat
ment. i have just had an experien
that / can not explain. You knc
what my views are on the subject
the supernatural
''She interrupted me with a laugh
pleasant, girlish laugh that did n
goa. Taking my hand IN both h
own, she said;
"'0h. George really thought II W